City and Province Information

Seoul

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City and Province Information

Seoul

Seoul

The Mayor of Seoul Park Won Soon

Career

B.A. in History, Dankook University

Executive Director, Beautiful Foundation

Executive Director, Hope Institute

Symbol

The Seoul Metropolitan Government designed its emblem in order to show the bright future of the capital city of the Republic of Korea.
This emblem has been used since Oct. 28, 1996 instead of the old one that had represented the city since 1947.
The emblem figures the Korean letters, 'Seoul', into mountains, sun and the Hangang(River) and symbolizes in general the look of a man in the merry mood.
Thus, it symbolizes Seoul tilting toward a human-oriented city. In the context of nature, human and city, the green mountain means a love of the environment, the blue Hangang signifying history and vitality, and the sun in the center stands for the future and vision.
The emblem was designed on the basis of the national roots, so that it can become the symbol of opening today and tomorrow of Seoul. The basic idea for the design stems from (Seoul) and drawings by two prominent painters of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) "Mokmyokchodon" by "Kyomjae" Chong Son and "Mudong (dancing boy)" by "Tanwon" Kim Hongdo.

Symbol of the Province

GINKGO

The Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the ginkgo, known for its beauty, longevity, and strong resistance to pollution and blight, as the tree of Seoul on April 3, 1971.Growing big and strong, it symbolizes the development and prosperity of the nation's capital.

FORSYTHIA

The Seoul Metropolitan Government determined forsythia as the flower of Seoul on April 3, 1971. The flower is considered to be most suitable for Seoul's climate. This flower comes into full bloom in early spring and demonstrates the cooperative spirit of Seoul's citizens.

MAGPIE

Traditionally loved by the Korean people, the magpie is believed to be an auspicious bird and a messenger of good news. According to a folktale, magpies formed a bridge to help two star-crossed lovers to reunite.
It was also chosen as the national bird of Korea in 1964, getting overwhelming votes in a national contest. As the bird of Korea, and that of Seoul as well, the magpie has been excluded from the list of game fowls since 1996.